Calgary’s delayed southeast ring road could finally be open this week, says the contractor behind the $769-million project.

All that’s stopping drivers from speeding along the freeway is some paperwork and minor construction work including a few barriers that crews need to finish, said Dale Woodroffe, CEO of Chinook Roads Partnership.

“We’re really, really pushing for (completion this week) and earlier in the week,” Woodroffe said on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Parker Hogan, spokesperson for Transportation Minister Ric McIver, said the road is close to completion but he wouldn’t speculate on when it could open, noting he thought it would be finished last month, as the contract stated.

“He’s been telling us it could be ready anytime. He can keep saying that but at the end of the day we will not open the road until it’s safe, the work is done and there is full traffic availability along the entire 25 kilometres of the route,” Hogan said.

Hogan expressed annoyance at the fact the road is still not open.

“The minister is frustrated, I think there are lots of people in Calgary that are frustrated. They hoped that this road would be done,” Hogan said.

An approximately $70,000 daily fine during the delay means the contractor already faces more than $3 million in penalties.

Woodroffe said crews weren’t able to work this weekend because of the weather, but he believes they’ll be at it early Monday to “finish off the remaining few things.”

In addition, Woodroffe said paperwork needs to be completed because the contract recently had to be changed. That change stems from the fact geometric testing to make sure the pavement’s smoothness meets specification won’t be able to be complete until warmer weather in the spring, Woodroffe said.

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.